The symposium, held March 27-30 at the Hynes Convention Center, drew the industrys foremost experts, nephrology nurses, and health care providers seeking the latest information on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplantation, and many other clinical and professional development topics. Attendees also enjoyed special events, networking opportunities, and a packed exhibit hall.

Our theme this year is to inspire nurses to soar to a higher level of practice, said ANNA President Rowena Elliott, PhD, RN, CNN, BC, CNE. We offer them the educational tools and knowledge at the symposium and through ANNAs other programs, but it is their passion to serve their patients each day that impresses me beyond words.

Nephrology nurses care for patients with potential or progressive kidney disease. It is a challenging specialty that requires a sophisticated skill set and continuing education, due to the complex nature of kidney disease. It is also a specialty that is in demand due to increasing numbers of Americans suffering from kidney  or related  illnesses.

The courses at the symposium reflected the broad nature of nephrology nursing practice with sessions that included such topics as infection prevention, sleep disorders, healthy work environments, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The symposium also presents the latest legislative information, research developments, and leadership training.

A full recap of symposium highlights is available on the National Symposium page of the ANNA Web site, www.annanurse.org. The site also features a complete listing of ANNA award, scholarship, and grant recipients, as well as a photo gallery.

HighlightsOutgoing ANNA President Donna Painter, MS, RN, CNN, hosted the symposiums Opening Ceremonies on Sunday, March 27. The first general session followed, with author and humorist Barb Bancroft, MSN, RN, PNP, drawing nods and laughter with her session Livin, Laughin, and Learnin Through the Years.

On Monday, March 28, award-winning author and ethics expert Jack Gilbert, EdD, FACHE, delivered the Janel Parker Memorial Keynote Address. In his presentation, Doing the Right Thing Every Day, Gilbert explored the serious issues surrounding nursing and ethics, spiced with a twist of British humor.

New OfficersANNAs new officers were inducted during the Nephrology Nurse Recognition Luncheon on Tuesday, March 29. In keeping with the associations tradition, President Painter passed ANNAs Vision Crystal to incoming President Rowena Elliott, PhD, RN, CNN, BC, CNE, of Hattiesburg, MS.

Awards and HonorsAt the symposium, ANNA distributed more than $69,000 in scholarships, grants and awards and honored both individuals and ANNA chapters for service. ANNA also announced the availability of more than $100,000 in scholarships, grants and awards for 2012.

2012 SymposiumANNAs 43rd National Symposium will be held April 29-May 2, 2012, at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, Orlando, FL. For more information about the symposium and ANNA, contact the ANNA National Office at East Holly Avenue Box 56, Pitman, NJ, 08071-0056; phone 888-600-ANNA (2662) or 856-256-2320; fax 856-589-7463; e-mail anna@ajj.com; Web site www.annanurse.org.

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ANNA is a professional nursing association with over 11,000 members.Its mission is to promote excellence by advancing nephrology nursing practice and positively influence outcomes for individuals with kidney disease.